I'm not sure if this has been asked before, but what is the relative noise report level of .38 spl/.44 spl factory loads fired from a 16 to 20" levergun compared to , for example, the sound report of a .22 wmr fired from a rifle? I am trying to decide between a .357 mag or .44 mag levergun and am wondering how loud the gun's report is when you shoot off .38 specials or .44 specials in them?

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"First contemplation of the problems of Interior Ballistics gives the impression that they should yield rather easily to relatively simple methods of analysis. Further study shows the subject to be of almost unbelievable complexity." Homer Powley

Stick your arm out with the revolver in your fist and the muzzle is about 30" from your nose, slap a lever action up on your shoulder and the muzzle is about 36" from your nose. Not a lot of difference as far as the cilia and your auditory nerve is concerned. Impulse noise will catch up with you and speak up when you ask me those kinds of questions.

Yes, but the revolver blows some gas out of the barrel/cylinder gap (the reason supressors don't work well with revolvers) and the barrel is shorter, meaning the expansion ratio is lower, and therefore the muzzle pressure at bullet exit is greater. As a result, the revolver is louder.

"First contemplation of the problems of Interior Ballistics gives the impression that they should yield rather easily to relatively simple methods of analysis. Further study shows the subject to be of almost unbelievable complexity." Homer Powley

Squibb loads from the 38 spec and 44 spec rifle can be very quiet. The standard 44 spl lead load from a rifle barrel is also very quiet. I havent tried a standard 38 spl 158 gr from a rifle but it should be quiet. Look up squibb or catsneese loads for more info.

That's because the .44's stay subsonic, so you don't get the sonic crack. That's in addition to the long barrel having so much room for the propellant gases to expand into that little muzzle blast occurs. Hence: quiet! Some .38 Special loads, especially with lighter bullets, may not stay subsonic. You'll have to try them.

"First contemplation of the problems of Interior Ballistics gives the impression that they should yield rather easily to relatively simple methods of analysis. Further study shows the subject to be of almost unbelievable complexity." Homer Powley

I shoot quite a bit of sub-sonic loads from my .357 Magnum Rossi. Some are due to Cowboy Action, but I use the same rifle for rabbit hunting. The loads are essentially .38 Special, whether loaded in .38 cases, or .357. The noise level is less than a high-velocity .22 LR. I could reduce velocity even more, but I am happy with the velocity level and accuracy.